Fall Rankings Update: 2028 Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**The Prep Dig Exposure Tour is coming to Pontiac on Dec. 21 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2032/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-michigan#register"><strong>Click here to register</strong></a>, and use promo code <strong><em>“EllisPD25”</em></strong> to get $10 off your registration.**</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, our first real 2028 Player Rankings were released with 51 players making the cut. Now it is time to look at the talented kids at each position. Here's a look at the top defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2028","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d59201a2e9c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top 2028 Liberos</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Ashlyn' last='Pelon'], Marian/Legacy: </strong>A defender with already a lot of big-match experience, Pelon looks like a natural at the position. She's got great leadership skills, but provides a calming presence with her consistently high level of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='454374' first='Addison' last='Nostrandt'], Birch Run/Michigan Elite: </strong>Nostrandt also has plenty of experience against big-time hitters and knows what to look for when facing a top opponent. She's got a lot of polish in her play and never hesitates to go after the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='800531' first='Olivia' last='Tyler'], Jonesville: </strong>Tyler plays like a seasoned veteran for Jonesville and she is one that can rack up a big number of digs in quick fashion. She anticipates the ball well and has a good feel for her timing in order to get below a powerful attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='587006' first='Hope' last='Purwadihardja'], Plymouth/Michigan Elite: </strong>Purwadihardja shows a lot of good technique and focus in the back row. She can see the play developing well and is great in her location on her serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='752645' first='Kaila' last='Van Drie'], Rockford/MVA: </strong>Van Drie is going to get a lot of good reps practicing with the Rockford program as she builds her game and eventually takes on a bigger role in the years ahead. She got a high ceiling and is learning from great coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id='587009' first='Kaitlyn' last='Koceski'], Novi/Legacy: </strong>Koceski got some run on the Novi varsity last fall and that experience has helped her take another step forward. She already looks sharper in her play this year and is making more advanced plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='765793' first='Maya' last='Lorenzo'], Dakota/Michigan Elite: </strong>A strong club season led to a lot of dig numbers for Lorenzo. She stays light on her feet and makes some difficult plays look relatively easy. There's good things ahead from her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id='887162' first='Lyla' last='Russell'], Imlay City/Michigan Elite: </strong>Russell is showing she can be counted on in pressure situations, as she's putting up impressive dig numbers against some of the best teams in the state. She's not backing down from a challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->